Writing Algebraic Expressions

Mini Lesson

• Objective: Write and evaluate an algebraic expression for a given situation, using up to three variables

Operation Verbal Expressions Algebraic Expression

• add 3 to a number• a number plus 3• the sum of a number and 3• 3 more than a number• a number increased by 3

n + 3

• subtract 12 from a number• a number minus 12• the difference of a number and 12 • 12 less than a number• a number decreased by 12• take away 12 from a number• a number less 12

X – 12

Operation Verbal Expressions Algebraic Expression

• 2 times a number• 2 multiplied by a number• the product of 2 and a number

2m or 2•m

• 6 divided into a number• a number divided by 6 • the quotient of a number and 6

a ÷ 6 or a/6

1. A product of 20 and t 20t

2. 24 less than a number n – 24

3. 4 times the sum of a number and 2 4(w + 2)

Examples:

1. the product of 7 and p2. 3 less than a number3. 12 divided into a number4. 3 times the sum of a number and 55. The sum of 5 and a number6. 2 less than a number7. The quotient of a number and 88. 9 times a number9. 10 less than the product of a number and 3